The World Bank is set to enhance its support for the health sectors in Fiji and the broader Pacific region through the provision of both financial and technical assistance. This announcement was made by World Bank President Ajay Banga during his visit to the Nuffield Health Clinic in Tamavua, where he met with Fiji’s Minister for Health, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu.
Currently in Fiji, Mr. Banga is engaging in discussions with government officials on various topics, particularly focusing on healthcare and its associated challenges. He emphasized the importance of a recent health report prepared for Fiji, which serves as a baseline that highlights the need for the country to allocate more resources—financially and intellectually—to its healthcare system.
“Our role is to provide technical assistance and financing, and I am here to understand how we can best support this effort,” Mr. Banga stated during a press conference yesterday. He also pointed out that given the small population of Pacific island nations, fostering regional infrastructure to meet healthcare needs is essential.
Mr. Banga observed the commitment of healthcare professionals working under considerable constraints and stressed the significance of community outreach in maintaining preventative and early detection capabilities. He reiterated the World Bank’s commitment to reaching 1.5 billion people with improved primary healthcare facilities by 2030, aimed at early disease detection through diagnostic centers and educational initiatives similar to those in schools.
Additionally, he highlighted the need to address non-communicable diseases, which have become prevalent in adult populations, alongside maternal and neonatal health. Notably, Mr. Banga mentioned that skill loss is a significant global challenge, and the World Bank aims to assist Fiji in combatting this issue.
“Change cannot be mandated; it must come from creating an environment that encourages professionals to remain and contribute to their communities,” he remarked.
The World Bank’s initial venture into Fiji’s healthcare sector was the $7.35 million COVID-19 Emergency Response Project, which received board approval in June 2020 and is set to close in June 2024.